DETROIT—While fortunate to have some depth at running back, the Chiefs won’t be able to adequately replace the injured Jamaal Charles. Dexter McCluster becomes prominent in their plans for the running game.

McCluster’s quickness can be an asset for the Chiefs, particularly when they can get him in the open field on plays like screens, sweeps and draws. But at only 170 pounds, McCluster isn’t as much of a threat to run between the tackles as Charles, who was effective in that area.

McCluster has also lost a fumble in each of Kansas City’s two games.

The Chiefs had big plans for McCluster in the passing game, but so far they haven’t been able to get him the ball in the open field. He leads the Chiefs with nine catches, but on those plays he gained just 23 yards.

At 33, Thomas Jones is nearing the end of his career but will still be asked to carry his share of the workload.

It’s telling that while McCluster and Charles between them averaged more than seven yards per carry through the first two games, Jones is at 3.3 yards per carry. That’s in part because Jones is asked to get the tougher yards, but the running game has been decidedly less effective when he’s been carrying the ball.